WELCOME
The Institute of Masters of Wine is the home of exceptional expertise in the wine world. What started 70 years ago as an exam for the UK wine trade is now a globally recognised title collectively held by a worldwide family of Masters of Wine. Today, there are 413 MWs based in 31 countries, each making their own contribution to the world of wine. Becoming an MW means entering a unique wine community; one that brings enriching personal and professional opportunities, as well as lifelong friendships.
ABOUT US
The IMW’s mission is to promote excellence, interaction, and learning across all sectors of the global wine community. As well as running the MW study programme, our programme of worldwide events offers unparalleled opportunities to taste and learn. These tastings and seminars, including our international symposium, are open for anyone to attend – you don’t have to be a Master of Wine to join in.
FIND AN MW
The IMW’s directory of Masters of Wine allows you to search not just by name, but also by skills and specialisms. MWs are active all over the world and in all fields; MWs are winemakers, sommeliers, buyers, journalists, shippers, consultants, viticulturalists, academics, educators and more. If you are looking for an MW in a particular country, expert comment on a specific style of wine, a speaker for your event, or experienced commercial advice, look no further.
THE MW EXAM
The MW exam tests the breadth and depth of a candidate’s theoretical knowledge and tasting skills in the art, science and business of wine. By passing the MW exam, you become a member of the IMW, gain the title Master of Wine and can use the initials MW after your name. The MW exam is a series of tasting and theory papers, plus an in-depth research project. You can find out about all stages of the exam, as well as downloading past papers, by clicking below.
Latest News
VSPT Wine Group becomes a principal supporter of the Institute of Masters of Wine
VSPT Wine Group have signed on to become a principal supporter of the Institute of Masters of Wine. The Chilean wine group joins our existing principal supporters, Austrian Wine, AXA Millésimes, Constellation Brands and Champagne Bollinger. VSPT is a Top 20 global...
Features
The IMW’s 2022-2023 Annual Review
Follow the link below for the IMW’s 2022-2023 annual review, which is a record of our activities over the last 12 months from trips and events to the student programme and finances. Annual review 2022-23
Wojciech Bońkowski MW announced the winner of 2023 Madame Bollinger Medal
Wojciech Bońkowski MW was announced as the winner of the Madame Bollinger Medal at the Institute of Masters of Wine awards ceremony last week. The Medal is awarded for excellence in tasting and outstanding achievement in the Institute of Masters of Wine practical...
Four new Masters of Wine inducted at the 2023 IMW annual awards ceremony
The Institute of Masters of Wine has officially welcomed four new Masters of Wine to its membership at an awards ceremony today at Vintners’ Hall in London (31 October 2023). The ceremony celebrates the inauguration of the new MWs and recognises individual excellence...
Joshua Grainer MW from the US wins the 2023 Quinta do Noval Award
At the Institute of Masters of Wine Annual Awards Ceremony this week at Vintners Hall, London, Joshua Grainer MW, MD and winemaker of RDV Vineyards in Virginia, USA, was given the prestigious 2023 Quinta do Noval Award for the best research paper (RP) by a new MW....
Hillebrand Gori becomes a supporter of the Institute of Masters of Wine
The Institute of Masters of Wine (IMW) is pleased to announce that Hillebrand Gori has joined their international supporter community. Hillebrand Gori is a leading logistics provider to the wine, beer and spirits industry and the first logistics company to become an...
Wine Market Council appoints Dr. Liz Thach MW as president
Wine Market Council, the leader in market research on U.S. wine consumer buying habits and attitudes, have announced the appointment of Dr. Liz Thach MW as the new president of the Wine Market Council (WMC), effective August 1, 2023. Dr. Thach will succeed current...
Recap: day four of the symposium
This month, we will be looking back at the daily events of the recent international symposium which was held in Wiesbaden June 29 – July 2. The symposium was hosted by the Federal State of Hessen, Deutsches Weininstitut (DWI) and Wiesbaden Congress and Marketing....
2019 Quinta do Noval award winner Edward Ragg MW visits estate
Edward Ragg MW, and his wife Fongyee Walker, a fellow Master of Wine, flew in from China for his prize visit, shortly after Justin Martindale MW, 2022 winner of the Award, also enjoyed his prize. Edward won the Award in 2019, but obviously has only recently been able...
John Downes MW launches ‘Downes in Twenty (Din20)’
Two years ago John Downes MW created ‘Downes in Two’, a series of two minute animations to get an understanding of wine to the consumer and enthusiast alike. Although the animations continue to receive encouraging feedback he realised that they are not so effective,...
Latest News
VSPT Wine Group becomes a principal supporter of the Institute of Masters of Wine
VSPT Wine Group have signed on to become a principal supporter of the Institute of Masters of Wine. The Chilean wine group joins our existing principal supporters, Austrian Wine, AXA Millésimes, Constellation Brands and Champagne Bollinger. VSPT is a Top 20 global...
Wojciech Bońkowski MW announced the winner of 2023 Madame Bollinger Medal
Wojciech Bońkowski MW was announced as the winner of the Madame Bollinger Medal at the Institute of Masters of Wine awards ceremony last week. The Medal is awarded for excellence in tasting and outstanding achievement in the Institute of Masters of Wine practical...
Joshua Grainer MW from the US wins the 2023 Quinta do Noval Award
At the Institute of Masters of Wine Annual Awards Ceremony this week at Vintners Hall, London, Joshua Grainer MW, MD and winemaker of RDV Vineyards in Virginia, USA, was given the prestigious 2023 Quinta do Noval Award for the best research paper (RP) by a new MW....
Four new Masters of Wine inducted at the 2023 IMW annual awards ceremony
The Institute of Masters of Wine has officially welcomed four new Masters of Wine to its membership at an awards ceremony today at Vintners’ Hall in London (31 October 2023). The ceremony celebrates the inauguration of the new MWs and recognises individual excellence...
Features
The IMW’s 2022-2023 Annual Review
Follow the link below for the IMW’s 2022-2023 annual review, which is a record of our activities over the last 12 months from trips and events to the student programme and finances. Annual review 2022-23
Wine Market Council appoints Dr. Liz Thach MW as president
Wine Market Council, the leader in market research on U.S. wine consumer buying habits and attitudes, have announced the appointment of Dr. Liz Thach MW as the new president of the Wine Market Council (WMC), effective August 1, 2023. Dr. Thach will succeed current...
2019 Quinta do Noval award winner Edward Ragg MW visits estate
Edward Ragg MW, and his wife Fongyee Walker, a fellow Master of Wine, flew in from China for his prize visit, shortly after Justin Martindale MW, 2022 winner of the Award, also enjoyed his prize. Edward won the Award in 2019, but obviously has only recently been able...
Recap: day four of the symposium
This month, we will be looking back at the daily events of the recent international symposium which was held in Wiesbaden June 29 – July 2. The symposium was hosted by the Federal State of Hessen, Deutsches Weininstitut (DWI) and Wiesbaden Congress and Marketing....
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